Herpes on the lips and mouth: symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

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What is herpes labialis (oral)

Herpes labialis or oral herpes is an infection with the herpes virus that attacks the mouth, lips, or gums due to the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1).

Oral herpes is characterized by the appearance of a rash, swelling, and mouth sores. The rash then turns into a blister or boil.

HSV-1 infection can last a lifetime, so symptoms can recur at any time. Fortunately, the symptoms of cold sores can be treated with antiviral treatment.

Most transmission of herpes simplex that causes oral herpes occurs through contact on the lips or infected sex organs. One of the most common ways to transmit herpes labialis is by kissing someone who has herpes.

How common is this condition?

According to WHO data, it is known that 67% of adults in the world have been infected with the HSV-1 virus that causes herpes labialis. Most of them were exposed to the virus since they were children.

In general, oral herpes attacks people who are infected with HIV or sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and syphilis. However, anyone can catch oral herpes with HSV-1 from a young age when the virus enters the body through an open wound.

You can minimize your chances of catching the herpes simplex virus by reducing your risk factors.

Herpes labialis signs & symptoms

Generally, symptoms of herpes in the mouth appear in children aged 1-5 years, both mild and severe. However, this herpes virus infection may also cause no symptoms in some people.

The signs of herpes in the mouth can begin with the appearance of mouth sores, but canker sores caused by herpes are different from ordinary canker sores. Herpes sores usually appear blistered and filled with fluid that can break if scratched.

Symptoms of herpes labialis to watch out for include:

• Itchy skin around the lips or mouth
• Lips appear swollen
• Blisters (bouncy) around the mouth or lips
• Lips or mouth tingling

Before the sores on your lips or mouth appear, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Pain when swallowing

For the record, a rash or sore herpes can appear on:

• Gum
• Lip
• Mouth
• Throat
• Existing blisters can gather together and get bigger

The first infection can cause severe symptoms of oral herpes. When the herpes symptoms recur or the infection returns, the severity of the symptoms will decrease from the first infection. The symptoms of recurring oral herpes are usually mild.

Symptoms of herpes in the mouth and lips appear within 1-3 weeks after exposure to the virus and sufferers can last up to 3 weeks, until they finally subside.

Reporting from John Hopskin Medicine, symptoms can recur several times in the first year. In subsequent years, symptoms will recur less frequently as antibodies to HSV-1 infection are formed.

There may be other symptoms and signs not listed above. Not all people with herpes labialis experience symptoms such as sores on the skin during the first infection.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience symptoms of herpes on the lips and mouth or are worried about your condition, consult your doctor immediately.

You also need to contact your doctor if you experience:

• Urinating less and less frequently
• Sleepy
• Get angry faster
• Dry mouth

If your child is less than 8 weeks old, call the doctor immediately when cold sores appear. Severe infections or complications of herpes labialis are more common in babies.

In addition, people with weakened immune systems should contact a doctor immediately when sores appear. Your immune system is in charge of protecting you from infection. If you are weakened, you are more susceptible to infection or disease complications.

People's body conditions vary. Always discuss with your doctor to find the best diagnosis, treatment and treatment for you.

Oral herpes complications

Serious complications due to herpes labialis are actually rare. Herpes in the mouth can spread to several other parts of the body, such as:

• Eyes (eye herpes). When infected with HSV-1, it can cause injury and vision problems in the eyes.
• Finger. This complication occurs when children with herpes in the mouth bite their fingers frequently.
• Another part of the skin. Oral herpes complications can affect all parts of the skin in people who have eczema or atopic dermatitis. This condition can require emergency medical attention.

Most cases of complications are more often experienced by infants and newborns or people with immune system disorders, including those who are infected with HIV or have cancer.

Causes of oral herpes

Herpes on the lips and mouth is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus comes from the herpes virus family that causes chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster).

When infected, this herpes simplex virus will remain in the body for life. Viruses that enter from the skin will go to the surface of the nerve cells to multiply. The virus damages healthy cells around the skin and nerves, giving rise to symptoms of herpes sores.

After the first infection, the virus will stay and settle under the nerve cells without replicating. Viral infections that cause herpes labialis can be active at any time, especially when you experience:

• Stress
• Infections from other diseases
• Fever
• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays
• Menstrual disorders
• Surgery side effects

Mode of transmission of oral herpes

Herpes simplex virus itself consists of 2 types, herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) is the main cause of genital herpes. HSV-2 can only be transmitted through sexual contact.

Conversely, the virus that causes herpes labialis can be transmitted through close contact or touch on the injured part of the skin. However, many also get it from people with oral herpes who do not have skin sores.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a person can get herpes labialis from an infected person through:

• Kissing
• Touching the skin is like pinching the cheeks
• Using equipment alternately

In rare cases, transmission of the herpes simplex virus type 1 can also take place from mother to baby at the time of delivery.

The risk of transmission will be even greater when a person with herpes experiences symptoms of herpes sores.

Risk factors for cold sores

Everyone can contract this sexually transmitted disease. The reason is, many infected adults do not realize that they can pass the disease on to other people.

However, some people have a higher risk of becoming infected, especially when their immunity is weak. Factors that can increase your risk of cold sores include:

• Having an immune system disorder.
• Have HIV infection.
• Have cancer and undergo chemotherapy treatment.
• Having unprotected or unsafe sexual intercourse.
• Undergo treatment for an organ transplant.

Even though you have some of the risk factors above, it doesn't mean that you will immediately catch this disease. Do a venereal disease check to confirm your health condition.

Diagnosis of oral herpes

Your doctor can diagnose herpes by observing the blisters around your lips or mouth.

Also, in confirming a diagnosis, the doctor may need to perform other tests. One of them is by taking tissue samples from herpes sores and sending them to the laboratory for further examination.

Likely, tests that are done to detect causes of sexually transmitted diseases include:

• Culture to multiply the virus in the sample
• Viral DNA examination
• Test to check Tzanck for the herpes simplex virus

Treatment for herpes labialis

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

If it is known from the results of the examination that you are infected with oral herpes, the doctor will provide treatment.

Even so, the symptoms of herpes in the mouth can actually subside without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks. Although it can't clear the virus, medication can help shorten the duration of symptoms as well as reduce the severity of symptoms when the infection recurs.

During treatment, your doctor will likely prescribe antiviral medications that help reduce pain and itching and get rid of cold sores on your lips.

Herpes medications used for oral herpes are usually available as tablets, infusions, or topicals (creams and ointments).

Antiviral drugs in the form of ointments can reduce itching and soreness as well as soothe the affected skin. While pills or infusions are given to shorten the period of infection so that symptoms disappear quickly.

The types of antivirals that are relied on as drugs for cold sores are:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Penciclovir

The drugs above are the most effective therapy for cold sores, especially if you comply with the rules for use properly as recommended by your doctor.

Common medications such as moisturizers or lip balm absolutely not effective for curing herpes on the lips or oral.

You can also use pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to reduce pain and treat fever during the infection.

In addition to healing, undergoing cold sores treatment can also reduce the risk of transmission to healthy people around you.

How to prevent transmission of oral herpes

Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help you prevent and treat cold sores:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet.
• Keeps the skin clean and the blister dry.
• Avoid shaving the infected skin area.
• Avoid using personal hygiene tools together.
• Call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have a severe headache, shortness of breath, mild or severe eye pain that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Avoid and learn how to deal with physical and mental stress. Stress can weaken the immune system and cause the disease to recur.
• Eat nutritious foods and get enough sleep and exercise together.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the disease to recur. Always use sunscreen.
• Call your doctor if the disease recurs more than 4-6 times per year. Likewise, when the symptoms get worse, you experience a fever or urinate festering from the blistered skin.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to find the best solution for you.